Success Stories
Adapting Climate Strategy and Delivering Results
AN INTERATED CARBON MANAGMENT APPROACH
Decarbonising energy and industry is one of the greatest global challenges. Companies must adapt their strategies to dynamic environments, balancing emission reduction from industrial facilities with diversification into lower-carbon fuels.
In 2021, as Vice President of Carbon at Woodside Energy, Jayne Baird identified the critical role Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) would play in long-term decarbonisation, particularly for Australia’s resource customers in Southeast Asia. Recognising the limitations of carbon credits as a short-term solution, she pioneered an Integrated Carbon Management Strategy that combined CCS with carbon credits for a more comprehensive approach.
By 2024, Jayne successfully delivered Woodside’s first CCS portfolio, with a potential storage capacity of approximately 1 billion tonnes of CO₂. She led key projects like Angel CCS to FEED decision readiness and spearheaded offshore CCS collaborations, including Inpex Bonaparte. Under her leadership, Woodside also invested in innovative technologies such as KC8 Carbon Capture.
Her influence extended to navigating regulatory complexities, including appearing in a public hearing before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Water, on amendments to the London Protocol to enable future CO₂ import-export for storage—a landmark effort in creating pathways for global carbon management.
As a recognised industry leader in CCS, particularly in the APAC region, Jayne’s forward-thinking strategies and focus on execution set a benchmark for aligning decarbonisation plans with sustainable business growth.
At Pointer Star Partners, we bring this proven expertise to help clients craft and execute holistic strategies that adapt to dynamic external environments, enabling them to thrive and deliver sustainable business value.
Growing a Sustainable Business in a Low-Carbon Economy
CARBON CREDITS AND CARBON FARMING
Under the Australian Safeguard Mechanism, emitters exceeding their baselines must surrender ACCUs (Australian Carbon Credit Units). In 2019, as Vice President Carbon at Woodside Energy, Jayne Baird led the company’s diversification into Carbon Credits, creating a 36-million Carbon Credit portfolio—a benchmark achievement in the Australian market.
A key success was the Native Reforestation Project in Western Australia, where thousands of hectares of lower productive land were planted with native seedlings to sequester CO₂ and generate ACCUs. This project required navigating complex regulatory compliance and managing sensitive relationships with local shires, farmers, and Traditional Owners.
Jayne established the team, processes, and risk frameworks required for success, including securing an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) to manage the portfolio. Her leadership ensured the successful creation and delivery of Woodside’s carbon business, aligning sustainability with growth.
At Pointer Star Partners, we bring this expertise to help clients set strategy, capture opportunities, manage risks, and thrive in novel business areas. With hands-on leadership and team capability development, we guide businesses in navigating emerging challenges and unlocking new opportunities in the low-carbon economy.
Photograph - Jayne Baird - Newly Planted Carbon Farm, WA -
a first for Woodside Energy
The Growth of Multiple and Diverse Portfolios
Jayne Baird, Managing Director of Pointer Star Partners, has a proven track record of setting strategies and delivering results in business growth and diversification. Her expertise spans Oil & Gas Exploration and Development, CCS, Carbon Credits, and Carbon Projects—demonstrating the ability to establish and expand across diverse and complex industries.
As Vice President Africa and Atlantic at Woodside Energy, Jayne doubled the un-risked global exploration portfolio, unlocking significant new reserves and driving strategic growth through multiple New Country entries.
In her role as Vice President Carbon, she pioneered the creation of a 36-million Carbon Credit portfolio and developed a CCS portfolio capable of storing ~1 billion tonnes of CO₂. These portfolios represented entirely new business ventures for Woodside, underscoring her ability to innovate and execute in uncharted territories.
These achievements highlight the expertise Pointer Star Partners brings to your business growth needs—not only in crafting ambitious growth strategies but in delivering results and creating lasting value. At Pointer Star Partners, we don’t just plan for your growth—we work with you to deliver it, and make it thrive.
Photograph - Jayne Baird - Identifying marginal land suitable for
a Carbon Farm, WA
Africa Strategic Growth
Jayne Baird, Managing Director of Pointer Star Partners, brings extensive expertise in building businesses and operating in Africa, spanning Oil & Gas and Carbon Farming projects. During her tenure as Head of Global New Ventures and VP Africa and Atlantic Margins Exploration at Woodside Energy, Jayne:
- Built and managed a comprehensive exploration portfolio, driving new country entries into Morocco, Kenya, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and Gabon.
- Conducted in-depth opportunity reviews across key markets, including Egypt, Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa.
- Operated the offshore Sangomar Oil and Gas Development Project in Senegal to Concept Select.
- Delivered the largest African offshore oil and gas discovery in Gabon in 2018.
- Successfully led the divestment of exploration assets in Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Kenya, aligning strategy with corporate objectives.
Critical Success Factors in Africa:
Achieving success in Africa requires government support, holistic opportunity assessment and risk management, and robust stakeholder engagement. Jayne’s leadership has demonstrated expertise in:
- Driving high-level government engagements across Africa, leveraging Australian government support through DFAT and local embassies.
- Leading robust opportunity assessment and TEACOP Risk Analysis to assessment investment criteria and navigate complex environments successfully.
- Delivering impactful stakeholder engagement plans that prioritise local content and community collaboration, establishing trust and long-term success.
How Pointer Star Partners Can Help:
Pointer Star Partners leverages this expertise to support businesses exploring opportunities or expanding operations in Africa. By combining an in-depth understanding of regional dynamics with advanced opportunity assessment and risk management strategies, we provide strategic insights and practical guidance to help you navigate Africa’s unique challenges and unlock its immense potential.
Photograph - Jayne Baird - Social Investment
Meeting Mother's Support Team, High School, Dakar